What is the actual payment/gate experience like? Some places say you must have a gate code; lady I spoke with on the phone tersely told me something about an 'honor system' at the gate.

$5 cash to the ranger at the gate, if no one is in the guard shack, put $5 in one of the envelopes located in the bottom slot of the honor box (grey metal payment box), which is just beyond the gate, driver side, then drop it in the top spot of the honor box. Place the perforated portion of the envelope on your dash.

I am a state park pass holder, so I don't have to do this, but I there is no code required. If the gate is manned, you'll pay there, if not, you use cash and place payment in designated area.